Scouting report special: These cup kids can become famous five

Youth was given its head in this week’s Capital One Cup and youngsters grabbed their chance with both hands. Sportsmail picks out a handful to keep an eye on...

Oussama Assaidi

Liverpool

Has a slight frame but a fierce work ethic and his trickery means it’s just a matter of time before Brendan Rodgers bloods him in the Premier League. The Moroccan winger, who cost £2.5million in August, had a strike-rate of one in three for previous club Heerenveen. Former Morocco coach Eric Gerets, explaining to Adel Taarabt why the QPR man wasn’t in his plans, is reported to have said: ‘Watch Assaidi.’

Michael Keane

Manchester United

The 19-year-old is the twin of striker Will, who is also on United’s books but currently injured. Born in Stockport, Keane was a full back but is starting to make his name in the centre of defence. Has five caps for England Under 19s and committed to the country of his birth after originally playing youth football for the Republic of Ireland. United’s Jonny Evans said: ‘He has a great future.’

Lucas Piazon

Chelsea

The Brazilian joined 18 months ago from Sao Paulo for £7.5million. He signed a five-year deal on his 18th birthday in January and helped Chelsea win the FA Youth Cup last season. He made his senior debut against Wolves on Tuesday, playing 90 minutes wide on the left of the three advanced midfielders. Has poise, skill and awareness but rejects comparisons with Kaka. ‘I am a winger or a second striker and he is a midfielder,’ said Piazon. ‘I think it is because we come from Sao Paulo.’

Serge Gnabry

Arsenal

There has been a buzz around the German since he joined from Stuttgart for £100,000 last year. He is quick, powerful, has excellent technique and an explosive burst of pace and can play wide or behind the main striker. He signed professional terms this summer and made his first-team debut with a sparkling 18-minute cameo against Coventry.

Andros Townsend

Tottenham

Has had more loan clubs than he has made appearances for Spurs and at 21, the jury is still out on the talented and speedy winger. But he did score an excellent individual goal and created the opener at Carlisle on Wednesday night to make a positive impression on new manager Andre Villas-Boas. Looks to have benefited from so many loan spells but needs a run of games for his Spurs career to take off.